at I went just a little farther than there was any strict need
for. But then the beggars put my back up, to start with, by firing at
us. Had they contented themselves with pitching a shot across our fore-
foot, I would not have minded so much; but they fired to hit--if they
could. Then that lieutenant must needs come swaggering aboard here,
putting on side, and threatening us--actually threatening us--with
arrest, and imprisonment, and goodness knows what else! I only wish
they would try to take us; I would teach them that it pays to be civil
to Englishmen.--Well, what the dickens are you laughing at?" for Jack
had burst into a hearty peal of laughter.

"Oh, Phil, Phil," Jack exclaimed, when at length he had regained control
of himself, "you are as good as a pantomime! The idea of you, of all
men, complaining of the other fellow having threatened, and put on side!
Why, man alive, you were just as exasperating as you could possibly be
to the poor chap; and, as to the threatening--why, you were simply
breathing out threatenings and slaughter! You will have to keep your
weather eye lifting, my hearty, when you get round to Havana; for that
fellow will look out for you, and force you into a fight, as sure as
eggs are eggs."

"All right!" answered Milsom, "I'll not disappoint him; if he wants
fighting he shall have as much as he can take. But, after all, Jack, I
have no doubt you are right, and that I was a bit `trying', as my poor
mother used to say. But then, you see, I was `bluffing', doing the
virtuous-indignation business, and all that, you know, for it was
necessary to persuade the gentlemen that we are absolutely virtuous and
innocent; it would never do to allow them to entertain the slightest
shred of suspicion of the vessel, otherwise they would be continually
watching her. Ah! As I expected, here comes the skipper himself to
have a talk with us--and also to have a look round. I expect that,
after what his lieutenant has told him, he is feeling a bit
uncomfortable. But we must be civil to him and smooth him down; for,
after all, there is nothing to be gained by making enemies without good
and sufficient cause. And perhaps you, in your character of owner of
the ship, had better tackle this fellow; then we shall have an
opportunity to witness your skill as a diplomatist."

Accordingly, when the captain of the gunboat entered the yacht's
gangway, it was Jack who received him, Milsom simply standing by as